Search Virtual Info App on Mac
Search Virtual Info is an app that appears on Mac operating systems without the knowledge of their owners. The moment this app runs on a macOS, it alters some main settings of installed web browsers. In fact, Search Virtual Info is reported to be an adware program that applies changes in order to become able to deliver sponsored content in the affected browsers. By doing this, it attempts to generate revenue for its owners. Yet another issue that may occur after the execution of this undesired app on a Mac system is unsolicited data collection.
Security experts advise affected users to remove Search Virtual Info and associated files from their affected Macs as soon as possible.
Threat Summary
| Name | Search Virtual Info |
| Type | Adware, PUP |
| Short Description | A questionable application that affects browsers installed on Mac operating systems. Performs modifications of system and browser settings without your knowledge. |
| Symptoms | The homepage, new tab page and search engine in preferred web browser may be set to display hoax search engine. Browser slowdowns may occur due to increased number of online ads. |
| Distribution Method | Freeware Installations, Bundled Packages, Corrupted Websites, Fake Flash Player Updates |
| Detection Tool |
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SearchVirtualInfo
Search Virtual Info also spelled SearchVirtualInfo is a potentially unwanted application of adware-type that tends to affect Mac operating systems and browsers installed on them. Since the app often lands on Macs without users’ knowledge, it is considered as a virus. In reality Search Virtual Info adware attempts to monetize its presence on affected systems by delivering bogus ads to affected users.
Similar to other potentially undesired programs for Mac including CoordinatorMedia, Study General, and Easy Mac Care, SearchVirtualInfoseems like a legitimate and useful application that improves browsing. However, all these apps modify the settings of commonly used web browsers on Mac (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Opera) without permission and then start to deliver various bogus ads. Modifications tend to affect browsers’ homepages, new tabs and default search engines as well.
Once Search Virtual Info has access to a target browser it becomes able to inject sponsored content during browsing sessions. The advertisements that may be displayed by this app may be of the following types:
- Pop-ups.
- Banners.
- Browser Redirect ads.
- Push notifications.
The moment when Search Virtual Info gets installed on a Mac is often missed by people. This can be explained by the fact that adware programs are usually spread via shady techniques like software bundling, corrupted freeware installers, fake software update notifications, various torrent files and other. All these techniques aim to trick users into installing potentially unwanted programs without noticing them.
So this adware might affect a macOS during the installation process of another supposedly useful app. Unfortunately, it is a common issue that users agree with the installation of some extras that are included in the installers of various apps that are available on the torrent websites, free online download websites, and so on. That’s why the Advanced/Custom configuration option is preferable. Sometimes this step contains information about all additional apps that will be installed by default if not unmarked. Eventually, the Advanced is a way to prevent undesired apps from running on a Mac.
For the sake of your Mac security, it’s best to consider the complete removal of Search Virtual Info adware from the affected browser and system.
Is Search Virtual Info a Virus?
Search Virtual Info is a potentially unwanted program that acts as a browser hijacker and adware. It doesn’t fit the behavior of a computer virus (e.g. its capability to self-replicate). However, because of the risks these programs bring, they are considered potentially dangerous and should be removed as soon as they are detected.
Remove Search Virtual Info (Mac Malware Removal)
In order to remove Search Virtual Info adware along with all associated files, you should complete several removal steps in a precise order. The guide below presents you manual and automatic removal approach. In order to fully get rid of files installed by undesired programs and strengthen macOS security, we recommend that you combine the steps. The manual Search Virtual Info removal might be quite a complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the automatic part of the guide.
In case you have further questions or need additional help with the removal process, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Steps to Prepare Before Removal:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
- Backup your files in case the worst happens.
- Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
- Arm yourself with patience.
- 1. Scan for Mac Malware
- 2. Uninstall Risky Apps
- 3. Clean Your Browsers
Step 1: Scan for and remove Search Virtual Info files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Search Virtual Info, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Quick and Easy Mac Malware Video Removal Guide
Bonus Step: How to Make Your Mac Run Faster?
Mac machines maintain probably the fastest operating system out there. Still, Macs do become slow and sluggish sometimes. The video guide below examines all of the possible problems that may lead to your Mac being slower than usual as well as all of the steps that can help you to speed up your Mac.
Step 2: Uninstall Search Virtual Info and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Search Virtual Info:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Search Virtual Info. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Search Virtual Info. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any leftover files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Search Virtual Info via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1. Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2. Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3. Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Search Virtual Info. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3: Remove Search Virtual Info – related extensions from Safari / Chrome / Firefox
Search Virtual Info-FAQ
What is Search Virtual Info on your Mac?
The Search Virtual Info threat is probably a potentially unwanted app. There is also a chance it could be related to Mac malware. If so, such apps tend to slow your Mac down significantly and display advertisements. They could also use cookies and other trackers to obtain browsing information from the installed web browsers on your Mac.
Can Macs Get Viruses?
Yes. As much as any other device, Apple computers do get malware. Apple devices may not be a frequent target by malware authors, but rest assured that almost all of the Apple devices can become infected with a threat.
What Types of Mac Threats Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the types of threats that can currently infect your Mac can be rogue antivirus programs, adware or hijackers (PUPs), Trojan horses, ransomware and crypto-miner malware.
What To Do If I Have a Mac Virus, Like Search Virtual Info?
Do not panic! You can easily get rid of most Mac threats by firstly isolating them and then removing them. One recommended way to do that is by using a reputable malware removal software that can take care of the removal automatically for you.
There are many Mac anti-malware apps out there that you can choose from. SpyHunter for Mac is one of the reccomended Mac anti-malware apps, that can scan for free and detect any viruses. This saves time for manual removal that you would otherwise have to do.
How to Secure My Data from Search Virtual Info?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your e-mail passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activiites with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these reccomendations, your network and Apple devices will become significantly more safe against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
More tips you can find on our MacOS Virus section, where you can also ask any questions and comment about your Mac problems.
About the Search Virtual Info Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Search Virtual Info how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific macOS issue.
How did we conduct the research on Search Virtual Info?
Please note that our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware definitions, including the various types of Mac threats, especially adware and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs).
Furthermore, the research behind the Search Virtual Info threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand the threat posed by Mac malware, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.